OT | Cars

[cam2win]

I actually wouldnt recommend the Audi. I have an A-4 and I absolutely hate it. Nothing but issues since the day I brought it home. Im very mechanically inclined and my brother is the master mechanic at one of the largest dealerships in Milwaukee. Its a giant turd. Stay away from Audi.

Wich - sounds like bad luck to me honestly. I worked at International Autos for about 5 years. Most of the mechanics were driving older Audi's since they never broke down and were tanks in winter. I saw tons of the easily hit over 200,000 miles and still running and looking great.

[cam2win]

1) I don't need too much room. We have a pretty nice SUV for those things. Still, a sedan is the best way to go.

2) Performance is something I'm interested in. I have a 2011 Maxima right now. It's just okay in that department. Gas mileage means a little to me. Not the most important.

3) I'm in MN. The reason I like the A3 over and A4 or A6 is size. I just want a kick ass mid-size car. The label honestly doesn't mean much to me at all. I'd get a Mazda or Kia if it's the best option, but from my cursory research, the ones that I listed seem to be about right. If it's under 45k, even better. I don't drive a lot when I'm in MN. I've had my Maxima for 3 years and it has 15K on it, or something like that.

Looking forward to trying out the ATS.

I know it was mentioned by someone else but you'd probably really enjoy the Subaru based on these answers. The STi has alot of performance and the AWD handles really nice. Based on your group you listed I'd suggest the Audi as well. Have you also considered the Lexus IS ?

The car I've always wanted was a red Audi S4 with black interior...someday. That car offers the performance and luxury combo I'd love.

I real close to buying a Subaru STi a couple years ago. Then decided I wanted a little more room so purchased a Jeep SRT8. Sure I get 12 mpg, but I can run a 13 second quarter mile while hauling groceries in the back...lol.

[Nebula1]

If you're getting the Cadillac, look at the V series. That's the only way to go and I'd roll with Cadillac over the other options.


But over the Cadillac, the 2014 GMC Sierra is very nice. I drive a Silverado, which I love, but I'd definitely look at the Sierra. Can't go wrong with either the new Sierra or Silverado. V8 & 4x4

http://www.gmc.com/sierra-1500-pickup-truck.html

http://www.chevrolet.com/silverado-1500 ... truck.html

[Thunder Muscle]

No BMW love? I drive those in LA once in a blue. They're pretty fun. I'm actually going tomorrow. Thinking about renting a Mini-Cooper for kicks.

I bought a new Mini Cooper back in 2006 and loved it. I ended up trading it in, but only b/c it became not practical once I got a serious girlfriend (eventually wife) as it was too small for road trips (i.e. storage) and couldn't justify the payment for a car I essentially drove to work and back. If you do go the Mini, highly recommend the S (turbo charged). There was clearly more kick and that extra power did make a big difference. I did have one issue with the cylinder that needed to be replaced within a year, it was covered in warranty. you could tell it was missing, started slow, and a cylinder had to be replaced. Fun car. A great secondary vehicle in my opinion. The other good was ladies always liked, but some guys feel it takes your man card away. I thought it was an awesome car though, I miss it on summer days when we go on a road trip.

They also hold their value fairly well. I only put on about 10K/miles a year, but I had that Cooper for about 3 years (2006-09) and got almost $17K for a trade-in. I think new I paid around $24-25K I want to say.

[JimmyTheKid]

Not a "car guy" by any stretch of the imagination. Other than my first car, an '86 Toyota Camry (in 1998), I've driven 3 Honda Accords into the ground. Last year, I took advantage of a great opportunity and bought my great aunt's neighbor's 2011 BMW 335 D. It only had 7,000 miles on it, nobody had even been in the back seat, and nothing had ever been in the trunk. I absolutely love it. From the handling to the sheer speed to the gas mileage to all the little tech-y sh*t I wasn't used to, this car is a gem. Its midsize and fits four very comfortably. In fact, the last time I really got out of the city with it was a trip to Minneapolis for a convention. I've also driven it to Arkansas to see my mother-in-law. Its a little dangerous in that when your going 90, it only feels like 70. I'm sure thats normal with most luxury automobiles but this is the only one I've ever driven so I have nothing to compare it to.

Anyway, I love it. And I now see why there are "car people." BMW at International Auto on 108th really takes care of you. (at least for the first 40,000 miles).

[Lippo]

Yeah , we just stick with AWD now too, sick of snow .
Mine 2008 Infiniti FX-35
Hers 2013 Suburu Impreza Sport Limited.

both are great.

got a 2005 RX8 Shinka for summers.

wish we had bought the STi WRX version so I could lose the Mazda for my sporty car fix.

[drew881]

http://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/vehicles/ ... del-C300W4

At the upper end of your price range, but might be worth considering.

[SupremeHustle]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6m7cd9fWDo#t=44[/youtube]

[Matches Malone]

I've got a WRX. Love it for winters.

I'm just waiting for spring so I can wheel out my 04' Mustang Cobra. Spring can't come soon enough.

[buckboy]

I drive a Dodge Stratus.

[fam3381]

No BMW love? I drive those in LA once in a blue. They're pretty fun. I'm actually going tomorrow. Thinking about renting a Mini-Cooper for kicks.

I've gone from a 325i to 330ci to 135i to 135is over the past decade, so you can probably guess I'm a BMW fan

I like smaller cars so I migrated from the 3 to the 1-series once the 3 started to get bigger, and I'll probably get a 2-series (replacement for the 1 coupe) once the warranty runs out on my current car (hoping an M2 will be available in a couple years). The turbo six in my last two cars is about as fast as you'd ever really need, and for most people the 2-liter turbo four gets the job done, too. I think the new 3s are nice but a little big, plus it's kind of fun having a car that not everyone else has.

I haven't driven an M235i yet, but early reviews sound promising and it's a nice combination of luxury, fun (320 hp) and uniqueness for under $50k. My cars have generally been reliable and the warranty/maintenance mean pretty much zero out of pocket other than gas/insurance. I also live in Boston and have never had issues with snow despite always going for RWD cars. Just get some snow tires and don't be stupid.

[A Diddy2231]

Any Optima drivers on the forum? I'm buying in 2015 and as of now the Optima is my choice

[th87]

Got a 2013 335xi and love it. Smooth drive. It's pretty good in the snow (though we don't have to deal with it much in the DC area).

Used to have the old IS300, which was amazing, and incredibly reliable (but bad in the snow). Lexuses are really reliable, and I'm sure the new IS's would be no exception.

Drove a VW Passat when I was traveling and liked it somewhat, but I heard VWs are bad in terms of reliability.

[PedroGrande]

I never thought of the "how it drives in the snow" part of buying a car:D You guys are funny

Like Jeremy Clarkson would Say: you don't buy a car thinking rationally... Yeah some things are very important, but in the end you an have a car that its a little better than another in every aspect, and you'll still chose the other.

Of course realiability, possible expenses, are important, but you should do a test drive of each on, and in the end, you'll probably fall in love with one and forget the others, even if they are "better" on paper.


But...

VW are bad in terms of reliability? I guess you get different cars made in different factories than here, because here, for the price range they are one of the most reliable. The oldest cars that you see in our streets in europe are VW golfs...

[PedroGrande]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTzdd_9fzQA[/youtube]

[BuckHole]

My god you people are a lot more successful than me. 40+ years old with one 9 year old SUV and a 20 year old Honda sedan. I picked the wrong profession. I very happy for you all though. Grrrrr!

[SupremeHustle]

Getting a new car in June. My list to test drive are:

Infiniti Q50
Caddy ATS
Mercedes CLA
Audi A3
BMW 3 Series

Anyone have any of those? I like mid-size sedans. I may add the Hybrid Ford Fusion to the mix. My buddy has a Chevy Volt that keeps him away from gas stations. I like that idea, too. Anything else I should consider? I read that Acura has a new TLX coming. Don't know when, though.

Update: I thought I had a 36 month lease. It's 39, so new car in Aug/Sept.

I think it's between the Q50 and the Audi A3/S3. Weird, because I don't think they are in the same segment, but I likes what I likes.

Still looking for opinions if you have 'em.

[DanoMac]

Get a Dodge Stratus

[steger_3434]

Might as well ask here since this was bumped. I currently have a 2010 Benz c-350. I'm looking at getting either an slk, BMW 3 series or completely different like a camaro or challenger. Any opinions?

[JEIS]

I drive a Dodge Stratus.

Do people fear you?